A strange and fascinating work of art

After years of peppering Karkwa albums with some of his own personal compositions, soft-spoken percussionist Julien Sagot finally takes centre stage on Piano mal, a strange and fascinating work of art. On Le Trucifié, the Gainsbourgesque singer seems closer to the musical landscapes of Pawa Up First (another project featuring Sagot) than to Karkwa’s dreamy pop-rock.

Then on the title track, he offers a song fitting perfectly in the "nouvelle chanson française" current. From beginning to end, Sagot keep listeners on their toes. While Piano mal is, at times, a manic, almost confusing experience, it remains an interesting album once tamed after numerous listening sessions. Fans of Pierre Lapointe, Vincent Delerm and Thomas Fersen should especially enjoy it.

by André Péloquin – January 26, 2012 on Hour.ca